Burns

Seal matrix which belonged to Robert Burns

Period:

18th Century

Description:

This modest seal bears the elaborately entwined initials, "R B".  It is one of the relics of Robert Burns which has been preserved in Burns House, Dumfries.

 

A seal matrix was used to stamp a distinguishing mark onto molten wax as a means of sealing correspondence and ensuring the contents remained confidential.  Robert Burns was an avid letter writer throughout his life and maintained extensive correspondences with a wide range of friends.

Materials/Media:

metal, bone

Dimensions:

length 75mm, (max) diameter 24mm

Source:

Robert Burns House, Dumfries

Accession number:

DUMFM:0198.418

Digital Number:

BHBN085n

Copyright:

Dumfries & Galloway Council